2/02/2011 @ 12:00PM

In Pictures: America's 20 Most Miserable Cities

No. 1 Stockton, Calif.

Unemployment has averaged 14.3% the past three years, which is third worst in the country among the 200 largest metro areas. The housing market collapsed as well, with home prices down 58% over the same time. All the California cities on the list are struggling with the inherent problems the state is facing, including high sales and income taxes and service cuts to help close massive budget shortfalls.